15 March 2026
#21toWatch
Founded in 2018, the annual #21toWatch awards is one of the most recognised entrepreneurship awards in Cambridge (UK) and the East of England.
Celebrating Cambridge & East of England’s innovators, #21toWatch showcases emerging talent and breakthroughs across all sectors
People, companies and the ‘things’ they create, across Cambridge and the East of England are setting the standards in innovation and entrepreneurship across the globe. #21toWatch is a dedicated campaign to showcase and recognise the exciting breakthroughs across all market sectors, and celebrate the very best work in the region.
Where talent
meets opportunity
Many on our list (not just the Top21) have gone on to achieve great things, including enhanced promotions, additional investment, new clients and a variety of other opportunities. Our sponsors and partners also view the Cambridge MC #21toWatch campaign as a key investment for them as they support new ventures and opportunities.
The awards event -
one night, countless breakthroughs
Held every March, the annual #21toWatch event brings together Cambridge’s brightest innovators. Each shortlisted team presents their achievements in a one-minute pitch to a panel of expert judges. Last year’s Top21 winners collectively raised an impressive £183 million, highlighting the event’s impact in accelerating growth and recognition for emerging talent across the region.
#21TOWATCH
Accelerating Ambition, Rewarding Innovation
If you would like to submit a person, company or ‘thing’ to the #21toWatch list, please click the button below.
£183 m
Collectively raised late year
1,736
Founders & their innovations spotlighted
£600 m
Raised by 126 winners (not including CMR Surgical)
LATEST NEWS
Attend
Interested in attending as a guest?
The annual #21toWatch event is by exclusive invitation. If you would like to express interest in attending the #21toWatch 2026 event, please get in touch.
Judges
All nominations to the annual longlist are triaged down to a shortlist, assessed on five criteria – Innovation, Challenge, Influence, Viability and Memorability; as well as being financially assessed through the Companies House service and their investment status on Crunchbase.
A shortlist is then provided to an independent set of judges who will select the top seven from each of the three categories that will make up the #21toWatch Top21. Our 2025 judges were Tom Hughes, Jo Slota-Newson, Victoria Ritsh & Christine Martin.
“This year’s #21toWatch shortlist is an impressive and exciting showcase of the depth and diversity of innovation coming out of the region. The quality of the ideas, together with the energy, ambition and expertise behind them, really stood out - a real pleasure to judge" – Tasneem Khatib
Sponsors & Partners
Interested in Sponsoring?
Download our sponsor brochure here.
Nominate
Each year nominations are received from a range of sources. By the entrants directly, by their investors, advisors, or by those across the support ecosystem.
If you would like to submit a person, company or ‘thing’ to the #21toWatch list, please complete the form below and we’ll be in touch to confirm receipt and next steps.
Everyone who successfully qualifies for the longlist, shortlist, and Top21 will all receive a promotional icon to use in their own communications which has proven to amplify their message using the popular 21toWatch campaign social media.
